Prefabricated building



Mmh 12,1940.

T. H. COE, JR

PREFABRICATED .BUILDING Filed April 1, 193,7 ls sheets-sheet 1 A Marchl2, 1940.

T. H. covE. JR PREFABRI'ACATED BUILDING Filed April 1. 1937 5Sheets-Sheet 2 'I4 A Ifhll 11.0.00..."

All 00 l ,47- TO/PA/Ey March l2, 1940.

T. H. COE. JR

PREFABRICATED BUILDING Filed April l, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 4T TOP/WSVMarch 12, 1940. 2,193,550

,T. H. COE.' JR

PREFABRICATED BUILDING "5 sheets-sheet 4 Fil-edV April 1. 1937 Tf HQcoE. `.JR

PREFABRICATED BUILDING Flled Aprll l, 1937 Mmh 12,'1940.

Patented Mar. 12, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE PnEFABnioA'ranBUILnmG Thomas H. Coe, Jr., Hartford, Conn. Application April 1, 1937,Serial No. 134,372 f 17 Claims.

My invention relates to prefabricated buildings. It has among itsobjects to provide an improved building Xof the general type describedand claimediin my copending application Serial No.

. 15 forming the outer structure, it is made possible materially toreduce the cost of the panels and the building and facilitate theerection of the latter, while continuing to obtain the desired thermalcharacteristics and other advantages of my 9,0 panels heretofore,described and. claimed. Still another object of my invention is toprovide such improved panel members l-aving improved connecting membersadapted to form a part of the panel unit as shipped from .the factory,and adapted to protect the edges ofthe panel units 25 during shipment,and to be readily connected to like members on adjacent panel unitsduring erection to form the connecting means between adjacent units.Still 4another object of my in vention is to provide an improved framehaving such improved connecting means adapted to formimprovedintermediate studs and to cooperate in an-improved manner withcorner studs and improved sill, plate, and roof carrying members,whereby the several panels may bev united intovan improved wall or roofstructure very simply and expeditiously. Still other objects ofl myinvention are to provide such Aimproved panel units adapted to carryusual closure means such, for example, as windows, therein, andtoprovide such closure carrying units adapted to be readily conv nected tothe adjacent units and in the frame structure. Still Aanother object ofmy invention is to provide an improved construction having theadvantages set .forth and also adapted to permit a panel or panels to beremoved and replaced with facility whenever desired. 'Ihese and otherobjects and advantages of my improved construction will,`however,'hereinafter more fully appear.

'In theaccom'panying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustrationone embodiment which my invention may assume in practice..

Inl these drawingsg Figure 1 is a perspective view of a-cornerof a 55building constructed in accordance with my improvements, portions beingbroken away to facilitate illustration;

Fig."2 is a perspective view of a corner of the building, certainportions being broken away 'to o facilitate illustration and a pluralityof panels-A panels, such aswindow or door panels, generally (ci. z -2)-and portions 'of the frame, foundation, door, and

a basement ceiling being shown in section on line 2--2 of Figure 1;

' Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a panel and associated half studmembers on opposite sides thereof in the spaced relation which theyassume during assembly on an adjacent completed wall portion which isshown in section;

Fig. 4 is a detail `similar to Figure 3, showing a panel and associatedhalf stud members as `assembled readyfor shipment; A

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of one upper corner of the panel member shownin Figure 3;

. Fig. 6 is a, perspective view partially in section showing theconnection of the upper ,ends of two lowerpanels to the frame, the frameand an i' upper panel being shown in section;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view through a panel member, a portionbeing broken away facilitate illustration; f 2o Fig. 8 is Ia transversesectional view showing a lpanel member with its as sociatedxstud portionabout to be connected to a cooperating stud portion; j

"Fig. 9.is a like view showing the partsconnected; 25

Fig. 10 is a sectional view substantially on line IIB- i6 of Figure 1;

Fig. il is a perspective view from the inside, showing the framestructure from the foundation up through vthe plate on the second story,cer- 30 tain vportions being broken away to facilitate ile lustrationand the panels and certain other parts also being omitted for thisreason;

Fig. v12 is a detail sectional view showing the frame and panel unitstructure carrying a window, the latter being shown in section on line il2-I2 of Figure 1 and certain parts of the panels being broken away tofacilitate illustration;

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional View through a Window and frametherefor, the section being taken on line IIS-i3 of Figure' 1;

. Fig. 14 isa sectional View of the roof structurel lcomprisingconnected panels, and its connection to the plate, portions of the upper-plate and of an adjacent lower panel and a roof panel, also 35 beingshown in section, and

Fig. 15 is a sectional detail view showing the connection of one of thepanel reenforcing rods to its stud.

In this illustrative construction, I have shown indicated at B, gableendpanels generally indi" cated at C, and roof panels generally indicatedvat D; these several panels being. improved and operatively connectedthroughfimproved conmi.

necting'means cooperating to form a part of the -frame of the building,as hereinafter described.

Thus, each ofthe same presents the inner and Y outer wall of thebuilding and comprises an outer sheet or face I and an inner sheet orface 2, preferably formed of suitable sheet metal, such as steel oraluminum. Each of these panels A is also of the general hollow heat andsound insulating internal construction previously described, whereby thepanel, while being light and relatively thin, has the desired thermaland soundproofing characteristics, although the internal construction ofthe panel per seis improved'as hereinafter appears. Also, as regardstheir external construction, it is to be noted that the panels Adistinguish from the panels of my prior construction in havingeach ofthe faces I and 2 of substantially the same size and in having nochannel and seal along its top edge and no extension and seal on thefront bottom edge- Instead, the panels A have at tops and have theirhollow interiors sealed oil' at the top, by a at plate 3, while theyalso have a substantially flat bottom sealed oi by a flat plate 4, andare provided with only a short'downward'extension at their outer edges;However, each vertical edge of each panel A is similarly sealed off by aplate 6 having flanges cooperating with protruding edge portions 1 and8of the plates I and 2 to provide a channel aperture along each verticaledge of each panel. ,Thus,' it will be evident that a plurality of suchpanel units A may be connected to form the wall of either the first orany subsequent story, with most of the wall formed from these so-calledstandard panels A and with the latter usable interchangeably save wheredoors and windows are desired, the sev` eral panels being mounted in aframe and connected by improved means hereinafter described.

Referring more particularly to the lower floor, it will be noted that,as shown in Figs. 2 and 11, the same is carried on a suitable foundation9 having amarginal timbering I0 suitably fixed thereto and carrying theends of floor carrying beams II of suitable construction. Asillustrated, the intermediate beams II include light outer skeleton typemetal channels Ila spaced apart by and connected to a plurality ofwooden spacing and connecting cellar ceiling nailing strips I Ib attheir bottom, and a single such floor nailing strip IIc at their top.Further, along the portion of the foundation parallel to the beams, itwill be noted that an'inwardly directed channel I2 is providedl alongthe outer edge of the marginal timber Il), and that adjacent the latter,the outer beam II is of single construction, as distinguished from thedouble construction above described, comprising a single channel I Iaopening toward the interior of the building and carrying on its top andbottom edges, 'floor andcellar ceiling nailing strips IId and IIe. Itwill further be noted that supported on the endsA of the beams II and-along the outer channels-l2, 4are sill members I3l which carry theseveral studs and the rst fioor panels, and that a suitable -wooden oorI4 is carried transversely on the beams II in marginally spaced relationto those sill members I3, and lnailed to the floor nailing strips I Ic,Hd. Also, cellar ceiling forming members I5, preferably in the form ofinsulating boards such as sheet rock or the like, are fixed `to thenailing strips IIb, Ile; the same herein in Fig. 2 being also shown tobe enclosed in sheet metal members I6 having longitudinal' edge flangesI'I extending up outside the nailing strips IIe and between the nailingstrips IIb.

In referring more particularly to the mounting of the panels to form a.wall on the sill members I3, reference is had to Figure 2. Assuming thata corner stud I8 has-been suitably positioned, it will be .evident thatthe wall may be built therefrom in either direction by erecting thepanels A one after the other with their intermediate and connecting studstructures. Here, it will be noted that each panel A is provided withinthe channel shaped edge thereof, heretostud I8, as by screws 22, it ispossible for a panel A to be slipped over the stud I9a shown in Figure2, in such manner that the portion 2l slides over the outerface of thestud I9a and is snapped into and sealed in embedded position in thematerial 20, 'th'e panel A thereby being securely gripped to the halfstud I9a throughout the length of the panel and stud by this portion 2|.

The opposite vertical edge of the panel A being provided witha likechannel portion and also carrying a like but oppositely disposed halfstud I9 in this channel portion, it will be evident that when the halfystud I9 is suitably connected to the sill at its bottom, as through anangle plate 23 suitably fixed by screws 24 to the sill I3 (Figure 8),and is also connected to the stud I9 by a screw 25, the rst panel A willbe connectedin upright position in the wall. Also, the second panel unitA may then be very readily connected thereto by attaching its half studI9a to the half stud I9 by the screws 22 and then simply sliding theU-shaped edge of this second unit A over the exposed half stud I9a untilthe spring portion 2| on this second panel unit snaps into the yieldingmaterial 20 provided therefor on the half stud I9a (see Figs. 8 and 9).Attention is further directed to the fact that due to the projection ofeach strip of the material 20 beyond the adjacent side of its half stud.the bringing together of the two' half studs, compresses this materialin such manner as to provide an effective watertight seal between thestuds, which extends along the entire height thereof, and therebyprovide an effectual seal between the panels, while the strip 20 on theadjacent half stud I9a forms a similar seal along the corner stud I8.

, Obviously, this process may be repeated around the wall as necessaryto erect the iirst story wall on the sill, with closure carrying unitsB, hereafter described, inserted where desired, the outer and innerplates I, 2 of the several units thenv forming the outer and innersurfaces of the nished wall. Further, it will be noted that I preferablyprovide outer corner boards 26 at the corners, which are suitably fixedto the corner studs I8 and have their edges overlying the adjacentresilient portions 2l 'on the outer face of the panel. Moreover, it willbe observed that, preferably before the panels A are put in position, Ialso place on the outside of the sill a drip board 21 extending toadjacent the top of -the sill members I3 and provided with a Areducedupper edge 28,

over which the lower extension' 5 on the panel A is adapted to bedisposed and also with a sloping portion 29 forming'a water table.

'Ihe panels A are each preferably shipped with half studs I9, I9adisposed in the opposite channelled vertical edges thereof, as shown inFig. 4,

`so that these half studs serve to prevent damage erecting, all that itis necessary to do is to connect these angles 23 to the sill I3 in theirdesired positions by screws 24.. Further, I preferably provide a similarangle for connection at the top of the iirst story, as hereinafterdescribed, this angle 23a. being carried on the upper end of the halfstuds I9.

On the upper ends of the tier of first story panels A, a second storysupporting structure is provided including members I 3a corresponding tothe sill members I3 and similarly disposed relative to and fixed to thecorner studs I8. Herein,

` this structure includes wooden joists of single and doubleconstruction, generally corresponding to the beams II, and a parallelmarginal member 36, corresponding to the channel I2, as well as amarginal member 31 disposed transversely across the ends of the joists,the members 36 and-31 also being fixed to the corner studs I8. Here alsoit will be noted that the double joists 35, as shown at the left inFigure 11, are provided with extensions 35a supported on down turnedangle plates i 23a overlying the endsA of studs comprising connectedhalf stud members I 9, I9a. Each member 36 is similarly supported on itsstuds I9, I9a on a like plate 23a, with, if desired, as shown in Figure6, a layer 36a of quilting or the like, underlying the bottom edge ofthe member 36 and between the same and the upper flat end 3 on. thepanel members A. Further, each single joist 35 adjacentthe marginalmember 36 is of such cross section as to provide space for an angle clip39 to be likewise supported on the end of its supporting stud I9, I9a;this angle clip being preferably suitably connected to the side of thesingle joist 35 adjacent the member 36. Also, the outerends of all ofthe joists 35 are connectedto the transversely disposed members 31which, with the membersrSE, in turn carry the members I3a. Here it willalso be understood that the top plates 23a on the rst oor panel studsare suitably con-- Vnected, through connections 23h, to the members 31and joists 35 and to the members 36 and angle plates 39, in such manneras to position the rst story panels A in the frame thus formed; lagscrews being used to connect .the studs to the members 31 and doublejoists 35 and to the-member 36,- and bolt and nut connections being usedto connect the sameeto theangle plate 39.

Thus it will be evident that, with the corner stud I8 projecting abovethe members I3q, the second story wall comprising the several connectedhalf studs I9,A I9a and-panels A,'may be erected in the same manner aspreviously described in connection with the rst storywal-l. Further, it

will be noted that a suitable floor 40, correspondwise preferablyencased in anged metal members 42, corresponding to the metal membersI6, provide the ceiling for the rst story.

While not limited to two stories, I have herein shown such aconstruction, the plate being carried above the second tier of panels A.Here, the construction is essentially similar to that described inconnection with the second oor, including like members 36, 31 and 35 andcarrying plate members I3b, corresponding generally to the members I3,I3a previously described. Here also, it will be understood that thesecond story tier of panels A is disposed as previously described, andthat their stud members I9, Illa are connected at their upper and lower`ends in a like manner to the members I3a, and the upper members 35, 36and 31. Obviously, if desired, a like ceiling and iloor (not shown) mayalso be supported on the joists as heretofore described. Note here alsothat drip boards 43, 44 are provided outside the bottom and top members36, which correspond generally to the drip boards 21 but which have a',cutout overhang 45 on their lower edges protruding downward outside theupper edge of the panels Ain the rst and secdescribed, but between themembers I 3b and suitable inclined frame members leading to and suitablyconnected at the peak and otherwise corresponding to the connectingmeans forthe upper ends of the studs heretofore described. Also, as

shown, drip boards 49, corresponding to the board 44 are provided alongthe upper edges of these inclined frame members and the panels C, theseboards 49 being adapted to be disposed under the overhang of the roofhereafter described.

In Figure 14, I have shown an ,improved roof structure supported on theplate members I 3b,

likewise comprising panels D of theY same general constructionas thepanels A heretofore described,4

but having the plates I thereof forming the outer roof surface. Here,however, the half members` I9, I9a thereof are joined together to formtheI rafters of the roof instead of studs as heretofore.

If desired, the rafters thus formed; orthe inner metal plates adjacentthe panels D, are suitably xed, as by screws orwelding, to theupper/inclined ends of angle plates 46 having their lower` ends suitablyxed to the outside surfaces of the members I3b, 36, 31; this connectionbeing so located as to provide any suitable desired overhang at theeaves. Here it will also be understood that the opposite ends of therafters thus formed, are supported in Aany usual manner at the peak ofthe .roof and that a structure corresponding to members I3b and 36, butdisposed at. the desired angle, above the panels D.' is also providedand connected at the peak in any suitable manner. Further, itwill benoted that in this construction, any suitable finishingpiece 41 may bedisposed along the eaves, and understood, that, if desired, an extension48, correspondingto the extension 5 heretofore described but longer, maybe provided on the panels D to increase the overhang as desired. .f yReferring to the closure carrying panels B, it

will be understood that these may carry closures in the form of eitherdoors or windows and be disposed at any selected points in any of tiersof panels A or C. These closure panels B, of which a Window panel isshown in detail in Figures 12 and 13, include in addition tohalf studsI9, I9a heretofore described, spaced header pieces 50 at the bottom andtop, generally indicated at 5I, which header pieces correspondgenerally'to the members I3, I3a heretofore described. Further, it willbe noted that the bottom header 50 in the illustrated window panel B, isspace'd from the bottom member I3, and understood that the upper header50 is similarly spaced from the members 36 and 31, in such manner as toreceive short lower and upper panels, otherwise corresponding inconstruction to the panels A heretofore described, but spaced by theclosure frame 5|. Here, it will also be noted that the headers 50 areconnected to the half studs I9a by angle plates 52 having portionsunderlying the headers. It will also be understood that, if desired,suitable uilting 53, corresponding to the quilting 36a, may be providedbetween the horizontal portions of the angle plates 52 or the headers50, and the flat upper edgesv 3 of the short lower andv upper panelportions.

While the internal structure of the several.

\ and the fiat top and bottom sealing plates 3 and 4,

inside spaced plates 60, 6I corresponding to those shown in my priorapplication and encasing suitable insulating means 60',- 6I, such asboards or loose insulating material such, for example, as

rock wool or the like; of which the means 60' is disposed between theplate 60 and the outer plate I, while the means 6I is disposed betweenthe plate 6I and the inner plate 2. However, herein,

this insulating material is coextensive with the' like sized plates Iand 2, and the means 60' and 6 I are each of the same size, enabling astandard insulating board to be used in. either face of the panel.Herein, also the plates 60 and 6I are provided with bright, asdistinguished from polished,

reflective inner surfaces, and it will also be noted that thlese platesare internally connected, as by welding, to improved closely spacedhorizontal connecting members 6,2, referably formed of metal ofrelatively low h`eat conductivity, such as nickel steel. vEach of thesemembers 62 is also provided with a series of spaced vertically opening,herein round, centrally located holes 63 Aextending close to each sidemarginof the member 62 (Figure 2 and Figure 7). These holes 63 are sodisposed that any air circulation set up in any 'of thelperimposedchambers 64 thus formed above and below the members 62, tends to takethe path shown by the arrows in Figure '7, and, accordingly, to bringany owing currents of air into conflict as they pass through theopenings 63. Thus, it will be noted that the hotter air, i. e. that moreclosely adjacent the insidel plate 2, will tend to pass upward asillustrated, while the colder air, more closely adjacent the outer plateI, will tend to pass downward, while both flows will tend to passthroughthe opening 63,1in such manner as thereby to produce a conict orturbulence, and cut down the circulation of the air in the panel andtransfer of heat by convection, and, accordl contact therewith. Further,it will be noted that, herein, the plate 60 has its upper end bentlater' ally outwardly inside the plate 3, while its lower end issimilarly bent laterally outwardly inside the plate 4, and then bentdownward between extensions on the plates I and 4 which cooperate toform the depending extension 5. Further, the plate 6I is generallysimilarv to the plate 60 as regards the lateral extensions at the topand bottom. Here, attention is also directed to the fact that, as shownin Figs. 8 and 9, the members 60, 6I are provided with angular flangeportions 65' along their vertical edges which are preferably spacedapart by U-shaped members 6. The outer arms 66 of these members 6I!extend to the edge of the member 6 terminating just inside the flexibleportion 1 carrying the snap portion 2I, while the inner arms 61 ofmember 6I terminate short of the edge of the member 2 and the latter isturned back inwardly as shown. `As a result of the above construction,it made possible to assemble this improved forni of panel very readilyand inexpensively, and to seal and connect the parts quickly andconveniently by welding along the peripheral overlapped portionsthereof. Here, also it will be evident that, as heretofore described,the lplate 2 may be soshaped at its bottom as to form a base board 68,if desired, an additional insulating portion 60" then being alsodisposed therein.

As a result of a panel of the improved construc- .tion described, it isnot only possible to obtain the advantages thereof heretofore set forth,but further through the provision of the improved spacing members 62having the centrally located aperture 63 therein, to connect thesepanels to the studs and frame in an improved manner while substantiallyreenforcing both the panels and frame. More particularly, it will benoted that as shown, for example, at a -corner in Figs. 1, 2 and 15, Ipreferably provide reenforcing rods 10 which extend diagonally throughthe adjacent panels and certain openings 63 in the members 62 thereinand have bent ends 1I extending laterally through the edge members 6 ofthe panels and the half stud members I9, I9a at the opposite edgesthereof and the top and bottom of the panel. Also, each end 1I isextended through the 4adjacent stud and connected in a suitablecountersink 12 therein -bya nut 13. Also, a shoulder 14, or nut ifdesired, is preferably provided on the end 1I. and engages the inside ofthe edge member 6, while a spacer 15 is disposed in the portion 1Ibetween the stud I9 and the edge member 6. Attention here is furtherdirected to the fact that they may be used on .all the panels or onlythe corner panels, as shown in Fig. 1.- Further, while their arrangementmay be variedwhen used at a corner, the lower ends aieasoo rods arepreferably incorporated in the several' panels during assembly of thelatter, and that, when thus incorporated therein, they further servetoconnect the panels and their half studs into a unit during shipmentand to facilitate connection, of the several units during the erectionof the wall.

It will be understood that instead of utilizing steel or aluminum inmaking up the panel, I may use other metals or other materials thanmetal if desired, such for example as resin or other compositionsadapted to be molded or otherwise formed into the desired shapes.However, metals such as steel or aluminum are preferred on account ofthe present expense of other materials. Moreover, it will be understoodthat, if desired, I may provide the bright surface on the inside wallsof the cchamber 64 by suitably coating or plating these walls withsuitable materials, such for example a's zinc or aluminum. Further, whenassembling the panels, it is desirable that the air therein should besubstantially dehydrated to avoid subsequent diiiiculties withcondensation. Careful sealing of the panels is also desi able tominimize circulationvwithin the samel Y have shown rafter members asmade of wood, I 'contemplate' -which circulation is Attention further isfurther minimized in my improved construction l y the conict in flowoccurring inthe openings 63.

It will further be understood that, while I my improved -half stud andhalf the use of such members of'any other suitable material, as steel orthe like,.and the use of the same in usual .channel or other light formusual in metal construction. Also, I contemplatethe use of a metal framewhere desired, as distinguished from the illustrative wood frame.

Attention is directedto the fact that in my improved construction,provision is made for insuring a weather-proof outer wall surface whileat the same time enabling the several panels to be of minimum thicknessand to have the `desired heat, cold and soundinsulating qualities.directed to the finished and attractive appearance of both the outer andinner wall surface provided. It will also be evident that only arelatively simple and inexpensive frame is required other than thepanels and the sectional frame members carried ,in the channels thereof,while it will'be apparent that the entire wall .and roof structure may-be very quickly erected as these supplementary frame members and panelsare successively connected in place. Attention is also directed to thefact that, when desired, erection ending at a Window or door, one ormore panel units may be readily removed by starting at a window or door,as by taking out the window frame which will expose the bolts 52 andkalso permit the removal These and otheradvantages of my improved c'onoflag screws 22, etc.

struction will, however, those skilled in the art.

be clearly apparent to While I have in this application specificallyde-f scribed one form which my invention may\as sume in practice, itwill be understood that this form is shown for purposes of illustrationand that the invention may`be modified and embodied in other formswithout departing from its 'spirit or the scopeof the appendedclaims.

What I claim as Letters Patent is:

new and desire to secure by' frame members also being connected to saidframen to form supplementary frame members between adjacent units. 2. Ina prefabricated building, a frame, and

a wall structure thereon comprising a plurality 15l of prefabricatedwall forming units each com-y prising a panel member having channelforming flanges extending longitudinally along its side ledgesandsectional stud members receivable in said channels upon relativevlateral movement 2l of said panel and stud members and connectedtogether and to said frame to position adjacent panell members. l

3. In a prefabricatedbuilding, a frame, and roof structure thereoncomprising a plurality of 25 prefabricated roof forming panel units eachcompri'slng a panel member having spaced channel forming flangesextending longitudinally along its side edges and sectional framemembers receive able between 'said flanges upon relative lateral 30movement of said panel nit and frame members, adjacent frame membersbeing connected together and to said frame to form rafters betweenadjacent units. l

4. A prefabricated panel unit for-forming an 35 outer building surfacecomprising a -closed panel member having a closed edge inhibiting accessto the interior of the panel unit, and cooperating frame memberreceiving channel formingmeans along said edge thereof, a frame memberdis- 40 posed in and reenforcing said means, and connecting and sealingmeans between said receiving means and frame member snapping together toform a unit upon relative lateral movement of said panel member andframe member.` '15. A prefabricated panel unit for forming an outerbuilding Asurface comprising a closed panel member having closed edgesinhibiting access to the interior of the panel unit, and frameniemberreceiving channel forming flanges along opposite edges thereof,frame members disposed in and reenforcing said anges, and connectingmeans extending through opposite closed side edges of said panel memberand through the frame members on opposite edges thereof forming a' unitof said members upon relativel lateral movement of said panel member andframe members. f v6,-A ,prefabricated wall forming panel unit comprisinga closed panel memberhaving closed edges inhibiting access to theinterior of the panel unit, and frame member receiving channel forminganges along opposite edges thereof, frame members vdisposed in andre'enforcing said flanges. and connectingmeans extendingv throughopposite closed side edges of said panel member and throughsaid framemembers on opposite' edges thereof forming a unit of said members uponrelative lateralfmovement of said panelV member and frame membersincluding a diag-,V onally disposed member having lateral extensionsprotrudingv through opposite ends of diiferent frame members. y '7. An.prefabricated wall forming panel unit 8. A prefabricated wall formingpanel unit comprising a closed panel member having outer spaced faceportions and an enclosed portiontherebetween sealed around its edges toform a. completely closed unit, and spacing means in said enclosedportion comprising a plurality of vertically spaced and verticallyapertured transversely disposed spacing members, said spacing membershaving ai, series of centrally located apertures therein midway betweensaid outer face portions, and said spacing members dividing saidenclosed portion into a series of parallel compartments having nocommunication with the atmosphere and communicating with each other onlythrough said apertures. e'

9. A prefabricated wall forming panel unit comprising a closed panelmember having outer spaced face portions and an enclosed portiontherebetween sealed around its edges t'o form a completely closed unit,and spacing means in said enclosed portion comprising a plurality ofvertically spaced and vertically apertured transversely disposed spacingmembers, s aid spacing members having a series of centrally locatedapertures thereinand midway between said outer face portions, saidspacing members dividing said enclosed portion into a series of parallelcompartments, having no communication withthe atmosphere andcommunicating with each other only through said apertures, and saidapertures being so disposed as to create turbulence while passingtherethrough convection air currents moving oppositely along oppositeouter walls of said enclosed portion. v

10. In a prefabricated building, a wall frame including upper and lowerplate andsill members, aplurality of wall panels in the space lbetweensaid members having inner and outer wall surface forming sheets'continuous from said plate member to said sill member and marginal meansconnecting said sheets in spaced relation, said sheets extending beyondsaid connecting means at the sides of the panels to form stud receivingchannels, and sectional studs located in the confronting chlnnels ofadjacent panels comprising detachably connected sections, one of whichisxed at its upper end to said plate member and at its lower end to saidsill member.

11. In a 'preiabricated building, a frame lncluding cornerandintermediate studs and cooperating transverse members presentirlg panelapertures at opposite sides of said corner stud,A

closed hollow panel members having closed opposite vertical edgesextending between said transverse members, and reenforcing membersextending diagonally through the closed vertical edges of said panelmembers and connected to said corner stud and lto adjacentl intermediatestuds.

l2. A prefabricated wall forming panel unit comprising a closed panelmember having transverse closed top and bottom edges and oppositelydisposed sets of channel forming anges along vand cooperating sealingmeans on a ange on each panel member and on each half frame memberengageable upon movement of said members along the line of the outerstructure.

14. In a prefabricated building, an outer structure including a frame, apanel member, \co

operating building frame members including a member iixed to said frame,one of said frame members being laterally movable relative to said panelmember and positioning said panel member, and the other frame memberbeing connected to said positioning member, and a cooperating panelmember positioned lby said other frame member upon lateral movement ofsaid cooperating panel member relative to said frame member.

15. In a prefabricated building, an outer structure including a panelmember having a spaced set of anges along an edge thereof, cooperatingbuilding frame members, one received between said anges and the otherconnected to said first mentioned frame member, and a cooperating panelmember having a like set of flanges receiving said second mentionedframe member, and a snapconnection between each panel member and theframe member received therein connectible on relative lateral movementalong the line of l the building.

16. In a prefabricated building, a wall frame" including a plurality ofabutting vframe members xed relative to said frame and to one another,panel members forming the inner and outer wall surfaces and each havinga flanged edge enclosing one of said frame members, and sealing meansbetween one of the flanges on each of said panel members and the framemember received therein` including resiliently connected flange portionsand cooperating resilient portions carried by said frame members, saidresiliently connected flange portions being embedded in said cooperatingresilient portions and the latter normally protruding beyond adjacentedges of said frame members and being compressed in the abuttingposition thereof. i

1'7.v In a prefabricated building, a frame comprising corner studs andtransverse` connecting plate and sill members, a sectional stud connect-,ed to each corner stud, connected sectional studs between saidtransverse'members cooperating therewith and ,with said studs to presenta plu' rality of panel apertures,A and panel members in said apertureshaving inner and outer wall forming surfaces which are continuousbetween said transverse connecting members, said panel members and studsbeing' assembled by relative lateral movement therebetween.

THOMAS H. COE, JR.

